Carleton Bates Varney

Place: Cleveland

Born: 1937

Death: 2022

Biography:

Carleton Bates Varney was an American decorator, designer, lecturer, and author, known as Mr. Color, whose work was based on the use of bright, vivid, multicolors and patterns. His design philosophy stresses the use of bright colors and the rejection of all that is impractical, uncomfortable, and drab.

Early Life and Education

Varney was born on January 23, 1937, in Lynn, Massachusetts, and spent his childhood in Nahant, Massachusetts. He earned his bachelor's degree in Spanish and fine arts from Oberlin College in Ohio in 1958 and a master's degree in fine arts education in 1969 from New York University.

Career

Varney began his career by teaching Spanish, French, and history at New York's New Rochelle Academy, joined Dorothy Draper & Co. in 1960, and bought the firm in 1964. His design work includes private homes of celebrities and world leaders, hotels around the world, castles in Ireland, yachts, ships, private, and public buildings. For more information on his designs, visit Carleton Bates Varney page on Wikioo.org. Some notable examples of his work include the restoration and decoration of the USS Sequoia, the presidential yacht, and the design of Architectural Digest's Green Room for the 80th Academy Awards ceremony. His client list includes White House first ladies such as Lady Bird Johnson, Nancy Reagan, Jacqueline Kennedy, Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush, and Laura Bush.

Authorship

Varney has authored over 30 books and syndicated columns on decorating and design. His writing career began in high school and continued into his professional career. Some of his notable works include "You and Your Apartment", "The Family Decorates A Home", and "Decorating on the Waterfront". For more information on his books, visit Shop by Theme page on Wikioo.org.

Charitable Consultations

Varney has been involved in various charitable consultations, including designing the Architectural Digest's Green Room for the 80th Academy Awards ceremony and co-chairing the Rita Hayworth Luncheon to benefit Alzheimer's Association. He has also worked with Princess Yasmin Aga Khan on several projects.

Artistic Style

Varney's design philosophy is characterized by the use of bright, vivid colors and patterns. His work is often compared to that of other notable artists such as Sonia Delaunay (Sarah Ilinitchna Stern), who was known for her Orphism style. For more information on art styles, visit Art Styles page on Wikioo.org. Some notable examples of his work include:

• Bright colors: Varney's use of bright colors is a hallmark of his design philosophy.
• Vivid patterns: His designs often feature vivid patterns and textures, adding depth and interest to the space.
• Rejection of drabness: Varney's philosophy rejects all that is impractical, uncomfortable, and drab, resulting in spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

For more information on Carleton Bates Varney, visit his page on Wikipedia or Wikioo.org. Some notable museums featuring his work include the Museum Pinacoteca Stuard (Parma, Italy), which showcases an impressive collection of artworks from various periods.